WASHINGTON – Sen. Susan Collins announced Friday that a total of 24 MAINEiacs hockey team players have been approved for H-2B visas, which enabled them to enter the U.S. in time for Friday night’s home opener. This year’s season was in question when many of the team’s players and coach who live outside the U.S. were unable to acquire visas to enter the country.

Collins, who chairs the Governmental Affairs Committee which oversees the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has been working with team officials to help the secure the visas in time for the start of home games in Lewiston.